Is there any difference between SMD and TH parts?

[nelsonvandal]

I want to know because mixing SMD and TH parts would be the most effective way of stuffing a PCB.

Hand on your heart, have you heard any difference? Please tell me.

[peranders]

You have differences but the question is if that is something you will notice in your designs. I would say semiconductors are most alike. One way to find out is to compare datasheets. Normal SMD resistors are not so good as regular holemounted ones although you have good and expensive SMD types.

[nelsonvandal]

Originally posted by peranders
You have differences but the question is if that is something you will notice in your designs. I would say semiconductors are most alike.

Was that an insult?

I do hear the sound of different transistors in my designs. I think (but I'm not sure and that's why I'm asking) semiconductors color the sound far more than passive components.

[peranders]

SMD has different properties and some parts are impossible to get in SMD like big plastic caps for instance. If you do hear difference between holemounted parts you will probably also notice a difference using SMD parts.

When it comes to semiconductors there is often the same content but different package. This is not the case with passive parts.

[nelsonvandal]

The question is. Is there any reason to believe that a TH metal film resistor sounds better than a SMD metal film resistor? Do a TH ceramic cap (not in the signal path) make the amp better in any way than using a SMD one?

[aandy]

simple TH components are being phased out (slowly)
that makes SMD sound better to me

[peranders]

Originally posted by nelsonvandal
The question is. Is there any reason to believe that a TH metal film resistor sounds better than a SMD metal film resistor?

I think only you can answer this. I have used SMD resistors and am quite pleased with the result.

Originally posted by nelsonvandal
Do a TH ceramic cap (not in the signal path) make the amp better in any way than using a SMD one?

SMD caps are better when it comes to HF properties since they don't have any leads (< inductance).

[Lumba Ogir]

Nelson,
this kind of effectiveness is not a good idea at all. Physical size plays a major role in electronic component characteristics.
Metal film resistor are not especially good sounding despite favorable temperature coefficient and noise. Ceramic capacitors are most nonlinear, only a very few passive devices have the ability to cause such a sonic devastation.
In short, forget about SMD in audio.

[syn08]

Originally posted by Lumba Ogir

Metal film resistor are not especially good sounding despite favorable temperature coefficient and noise.

Ceramic capacitors are most nonlinear

In short, forget about SMD in audio.

This deserves a big flag.

[peranders]

Originally posted by Lumba Ogir
In short, forget about SMD in audio.

SMD is quite alright. It only depends to choose the right parts.

Check out this design.
http://aussieamplifiers.com/nxv300.htm